Parke, 25, of Santa Cruz, was killed while riding his bicycle just after midnight on June, 8 2011. Parke was leaving UCSC's campus after hanging out with friends who were students there.

He was struck on Empire Grade Road while peddling in an 8-foot wide bike lane. Parke was experienced at navigating Santa Cruz's road on two wheels because he worked as a bicycle messenger for Clutch Couriers.

Parke's mangled bicycle and body were found later that morning in high brush along Empire Grade Road, the main route leading in and out of UCSC.

Dess will receive a two year prison sentence. The judge said he plans to give Dess a relatively short sentence for felony hit-and-run and misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter because he is young, admitted guilt, and had no prior criminal record.

Dess could be released from prison in one year for good behavior, the judge said.

"Dess is finally taking responsibility for the unfathomable and inhumane act of killing Zachary and leaving him on the side of the road to die," April Parke said. "I don't think any (prison sentence) is just unless it can bring Zachary back."

Dess' older brother, Benjamin Dess, 24, of Santa Cruz, is also living in the Santa Cruz jail. He has been behind bars since July 2011 and is charged with selling drugs and beating up another inmate in jail.